For little ballerinas with Down syndrome, Grand Rapids’ Nutcracker is time to shine

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk

Annah is one of three girls from Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s Explorer Dance program, especially for children with Down Syndrome, who each will participate in three performances in the Act I street scene, walking to and from the Christmas party, where Clara is given the magical nutcracker doll by her godfather, Dr. Drosselmayer.